The Development Control and Regulatory Board of Leicestershire County Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 18 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a report on a proposed public footpath diversion order and the presentation of petitions.

Proposed Public Path Diversion Order at Butt Lane, Blackfordby

A significant item on the agenda is the consideration of an application for a Public Path Diversion Order concerning a section of Public Footpath P12 at Butt Lane, Blackfordby, within the Parish of Ashby De La Zouch. The report details a proposal to divert the footpath from its current route, A-B and C-D-E, to a new route, F-G-B and C-H-I-E, as shown on a specific plan¹.

The report outlines that the application, made by Mr and Mrs Jarvis of 200 Butt Lane, Blackfordby, seeks to resolve an anomaly where the currently used path does not align with the Definitive Map². The proposed diversion would move the footpath from running through the applicants' garden to an alternative route on land also stated to be in their ownership, which the public is reportedly already using. Discussions have also taken place with an adjoining landowner regarding landownership boundaries, and the diversion application has been extended to include a section of footpath constructed as part of a new housing estate north of the property.

The report details legal considerations under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980, which governs the diversion of public paths. It notes that the authority must be satisfied that the diversion is expedient in the interests of the landowner or the public, and that the new route will not be substantially less convenient for public use.

Objections and representations have been received, including those from Mr Ball of 116 Butt Lane, Blackfordby, and Platt White Partnership, who represent Mr Ball. Concerns raised include the accuracy of the Definitive Map, the declaration made on the application form regarding the existing path being unobstructed, and issues related to landownership and the integration of the diverted path with the new housing development. The report addresses these points, providing officer comments and explanations.

The report concludes that the criteria for making an Order under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 have been met, although unresolved objections exist. It recommends that an Order be made to divert part of Public Footpath P12 at Butt Lane, Blackfordby.

Presentation of Petitions

The meeting is also scheduled to include the presentation of petitions under Standing Order 33, with reports from the Director of Environment and Transport on Public Footpaths.

The meeting's agenda also includes procedural items such as the election of a Chairman and Deputy Chairman, the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting held on 19 March 2026, and question time.